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Red Lentil and Rice Casserole

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A warm, filling, and fuss-free casserole combining red lentils and rice with aromatic spices, perfect for cozy family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) red lentils, rinsed
  • 1 cup (190 g) long grain white rice (basmati works well)
  • 4 cups (950 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (or canned crushed tomatoes)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: splash of coconut milk or dollop of plain yogurt for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Rinse the red lentils under cold water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
  3. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Add minced garlic and diced carrots to the onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  6. Add rinsed lentils, rice, and vegetable broth to the pan. Stir, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Transfer the mixture into a large ovenproof casserole dish. Spread evenly and cover tightly with a lid or foil.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Check at 40 minutes by removing the cover and stirring gently. Lentils should be tender and rice cooked through but fluffy.
  9. If the casserole seems dry toward the end, add a splash of broth or water and stir gently. Continue baking uncovered for 5-10 more minutes to achieve a creamy consistency.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top before serving.

Notes

Avoid stirring too aggressively during baking to keep rice and lentils intact but creamy. Letting the casserole rest helps flavors meld and prevents it from being too hot to enjoy immediately. You can add a splash of broth if casserole seems dry near the end of baking. For a creamy twist, add coconut milk or yogurt when serving. Variations include adding cheese, spicy peppers, or seasonal vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: red lentil casserole, rice casserole, easy casserole, comfort food, vegetarian casserole, gluten-free casserole, healthy casserole

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/red-lentil-and-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/